1 Kings 18
-Intense action is prevalent in this climatic chapter in the
book of 1 Kings. The LORD begins by alerting his prophet Elijah to “go” and
show himself to the king of Israel, Ahab, and that rain would be on the way (1
Kings 18:1). “So Elijah went” as the famine was now very severe in Samaria (1
Kings 18:2). God has His people in every place. We see evidence here in this
chapter that God had His servant, Obadiah, right where he needed to be. He was
over the household of King Ahab, and strategically preserved 100 prophets of
the LORD when Jezebel attempted to destroy them (1 Kings 18:3-4). Obadiah was
seeking out water for the animals of the kingdom when he ran smack dab into
Elijah. Elijah sent him to tell Ahab that he was in the territory, but Obadiah
was afraid for his life and did not completely trust the prophet at his word (1
Kings 18:5-14). Elijah confirms his oath and eventually Obadiah complies (1
Kings 18:15-16). As Ahab comes to meet Elijah, the king calls him a “troubler
of Israel (1 Kings 18:17).” Elijah gives back his rebuke that it was not he who
troubled Israel, but it was the corrupt king and his father’s house that have
done this by forsaking the commandments of the LORD and following the Baals (1
Kings 18:18).” *Application* There was no backing down in the prophet when
faced with personal attack. He stood his ground and proclaimed God’s sincere
truth in the situation. How are we doing in this with so many attacks against
the Christian worldview and the claims of Scripture for morality and decency?
Determine to be as strong as the prophet Elijah in standing up for what you
believe.
-Now the showdown comes on Mt. Carmel as Elijah challenges
the prophets of Baal and Asherah to see who the true God was. He did not want
them to vacillate between two opinions any longer; either God was King or not
in Israel (1 Kings 18:21). In the end, a monumental and decisive victory was
given by the LORD over the false prophets and they were killed. This was done
so that the people would KNOW that the LORD was God and had all power over every
other god. The people, although it may have been very brief, acknowledged this (1
Kings 18:19-40). *Application* Much can be said about this altercation between good
and evil here on Mt. Carmel. Isn’t it awesome when God shows up in your biggest
battles and wins the day? This was a mountain top experience for the true man of
God, and the LORD will grant you ultimate victory as you stand for Him against all
odds. You can count on that!
-Now the rains would come after Elijah’s word, which came from
the LORD. He prayed and waited. He sent his servant to check on things. When the
time was right and the storm of rain had approached, he outran Ahab to Jezreel (6
miles away) to one last time confront Ahab with his sin for the purpose of repentance
and tell the people of that area the great things God had done in His might with
the correct story uninhibited by the corruption and lies of the king (1 Kings 18:41-46).
*Application* Elijah was a warrior and a determined protector of the truth of the
LORD. We need to be of the same mindset in our current culture as much truth is
routinely denied with much spin. Get back to the basics, trust the LORD and obey
His commands. They are much clearer than you might think.
Verses to Memorize: 1
Kings 18:18, 21, 37-39
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